The Pahiatua Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1934. ROAD SAFETY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12618, 10 April 1934, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 1934. ROAD SAFETY.

Regulations are to be made by the British House of Commons providing for the imposition of penalties on pedestrians who walk dangerously. Experimental plans have been put forward and local authorities are invited to test them. Certain precautions for safety are already in use in New Zealand, and these are being embodied in th.e British Road Traffic Bill. The number of fatal motor accidents at Home lias been so great that the authorities have been compelled to adopt, stringent measures. Pedestrians who do not cross streets at proper points are to be prosecuted. It will be remembered that at a meeting of the North Island Motor Union some, time ago a remit was introduced from the Wairarapa Automobile Association to the following effect: “That where footpaths are provided, the onus for accidents to pedestrians walking on the road be placed on the pedestrian.” After a lengthy discussion the proposal was finally deferred, a-s it was considered that it would interfere with the liberty of the pedestrian in crossing roads. New Zealand is really in advance of the Mother Country in safety regulations, as the experimental marked crossing proposed at Home have been of excellent service in Dominion cities and also on many roads with sharp bends and corners. There is no doubt that the traffic domes and other precautionary measures have obviated many serious accidents. The action now being taken in Britain should result in a much reduced death roll.